Claudio Ranieri has rejected the opportunity to be the new manager of Italy after the dismissal of Luciano Spalletti on Monday, Afrosport reports.
Spalletti was relieved of his duties after the 2-0 win over Moldova, though the motion was already set following the heavy 3-0 defeat by Norway last Friday.
Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president, Gabriele Gravina, approached Ranieri to replace Spalletti, but the 73-year-old veteran coach did not accept the offer, instead stating that he was honoured to be given such an opportunity and would continue in his role as an advisor at AS Roma.
“I thank President Gravina for the opportunity, a great honour, but I have reflected and decided to remain available to Roma in my new position, totally,” he said.
“The Friedkins [Roma owners] gave me their full support and backing for whatever decision I had made regarding the national team, but the decision is mine alone.”
Ranieri came out of retirement late last year to manage Roma on an interim basis, and helped the Italian capital outfit to a fifth-place finish in Serie A in the just-concluded 2024-25 campaign, qualifying for the Europa League in the process.
Former Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini was appointed as the permanent manager last week, while Ranieri will work in an advisory role for the club.
